349: Michele Sullivan: Looking Up, Turning Obstacles Into Advantages
Release Date: 09/21/2020
538: How to Lead in High-Stakes Environments with Jeffrey Sanow
Leaders Of Transformation
How do you lead under pressure—when the stakes are higher than ever? Join host Nicole Jansen as she welcomes Jeffrey Sanow—a highly decorated former senior CIA intelligence officer and social skills instructor—for a rare, behind-the-scenes exploration of negotiating, leading, and communicating in the world’s most demanding environments. Drawing on decades of experience from covert missions to boardrooms, Jeffrey shares hard-earned lessons in the art of human intelligence (HUMINT), the nuances of managing high achievers, and the subtle balance between respecting authority and staying...
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537: Cultivating Servant Leadership in Sales with Max Cates
Leaders Of Transformation
What if sales could be transformed from a high-pressure, toxic grind into an uplifting, collaborative, and deeply rewarding experience? In this insightful episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen welcomes Max Cates—award-winning author, nationally recognized sales leader, and founder of Servant Leaders in Sales—for a powerful conversation on revolutionizing the world of sales through the principles and practices of servant leadership. Drawing from 37 years of proven sales management success, Max reveals how empathy, sacrifice, teamwork, and accountability can supercharge...
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536: Navigating Leadership Shock with Pete Steinberg
Leaders Of Transformation
What if the key to thriving in leadership isn’t doing more—but leading with greater intention and authenticity? In this compelling episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with executive coach and former USA Women’s Rugby head coach Pete Steinberg, author of Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success. Drawing on decades of elite coaching and executive leadership, Pete introduces the concept of “leadership shock”—those jarring moments when once-successful strategies suddenly fail you. Pete unpacks the turning points he’s witnessed and lived...
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535: Unbreakable Spirit: The Inspiring Journey of Martial Arts Grandmaster Lawrence Stone
Leaders Of Transformation
What could you achieve if you let go of all excuses and limiting beliefs? In this deeply motivational episode, Nicole Jansen welcomes Lawrence “Stoney” Stone—a remarkable martial arts grandmaster, published author, stunt coordinator, rock band singer, and cancer survivor whose life story is anything but ordinary. Born with congenital hip problem, later with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy) a degenerative nerve disease, Stoney has faced significant physical challenges since birth, yet has refused to let them define or limit him. From building future champions in his dojo to serving as...
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534: Anchored Leadership in a Shifting World with Rusty Rueff
Leaders Of Transformation
What if lasting success isn’t about what you achieve—but who you become? In this powerful episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Rusty Rueff—renowned tech executive, startup advisor, philanthropist, and co-author of Faith Code—to explore how inner purpose and spiritual identity provide the only truly unshakable foundation for life and leadership. Drawing from two decades of reflection, Rusty shares a compelling metaphor: Are you building your life on a solid platform (faith, values, purpose), or just stacking up flashy but fragile apps (titles, possessions, roles)? In this...
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533: Distributing Hope to Over a Million Children Every Year with Lynn Margherio
Leaders Of Transformation
What if unlocking a child’s full potential began with something as simple as a clean, well-fitting set of clothes? In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Lynn Margherio, the visionary founder of . Each year, Lynn’s organization provides over a million packages of essentials—clothing, shoes, diapers, school supplies—to children living in poverty or crisis, completely free of charge. But this isn’t just about meeting material needs; it’s about addressing the often-ignored crisis of clothing insecurity, which impacts over 20 million children across the U.S. Join...
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532: From Invisible To Unstoppable: Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders with Dr. Abraham George
Leaders Of Transformation
What does it take to break the cycle of social discrimination in India? In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen is joined by the visionary philanthropist and social entrepreneur, Dr. Abraham George. As the founder of the in India, Dr. George has dedicated his life to empowering children of the most marginalized communities by providing opportunities through education. Over the past 27 years, the school has changed the lives of over 15,000 children. 98% of its students are college graduates, with many making it to Ivy League institutes like Stanford, Dartmouth, and Princeton. Discover...
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531: Leveraging the 3 Mega Forces in Business Today with John Rossman
Leaders Of Transformation
How Can Leaders Prepare for the Next Era of Business Transformation? In this high-powered episode, host Nicole Jansen dives into the dynamic forces shaping American business with distinguished guest John Rossman. As a former Amazon executive and author of the acclaimed "Amazon Way" series, John Rossman brings a wealth of knowledge on innovation, leadership, and digital transformation. With a focus on his latest book, , John shares valuable insights, drawing on his extensive experience at Amazon to discuss the top three mega forces impacting businesses today. Key takeaways include the critical...
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530: How to Land Your Next Perfect Job with Stephanie Brown
Leaders Of Transformation
What if losing your job is the key to unlocking your next perfect role? In this encouraging episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Stephanie Brown, the dynamic founder of Creative Career Level Up. As a former senior marketing executive at Nike and Apple, Stephanie’s journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and finding purpose. She provides invaluable insights on how getting fired became the catalyst for discovering her true calling and empowering others to secure their next perfect role with increased confidence, promotion, and salary. Join us as Stephanie unfolds her personal...
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529: Ending the Cycle of Poverty with Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene with Shilpa Alva
Leaders Of Transformation
What can we do to help end the cycle of poverty in the world? In this compelling episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Shilpa Alva, founder and executive director of Surge For Water. Committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, Shilpa shares how her organization delivers safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions to communities worldwide. Through her inspiring journey from management consulting to non-profit leadership, Shilpa demonstrates the significant impact of investing in fundamental human needs and championing women's voices. Discover how prioritizing clean...
info_outlineMichele L. Sullivan is the author of Looking Up, a HarperCollins published book. With a unique and interesting perspective on life and business, Michele is a motivational speaker and strategic business advisor who has changed the course of millions of lives.
Michele was born with a very rare type of dwarfism. In spite of being looked down upon by others, she learned to look up and lead with an elevated view of others. It’s a philosophy that landed her at the helm of one of the world’s most prominent philanthropy organizations.
During her 30-year career at Caterpillar Inc., Michele held various globally influential leadership positions including director of corporate social innovation and president of the Caterpillar Foundation.
She was named by Inside Philanthropy as one of the 50 most powerful women in philanthropy and also served as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She was recognized as an AACSB 2018 Influential Leader (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). Michele is a member of the ONE board of directors and past chair of the Greater Peoria Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Advisory Board.
What We Discuss With In This Episode
- The power of leaning in
- The conversation around political correctness
- The 3 pillars of the Caterpillar Foundation
- Michele’s current involvement at a grassroots level
- Michele’s experience meeting Bono
- Using your platform to lift people up
- Michele’s thoughts on leadership, inclusion, and diversity
- The challenges of being a leader
Episode Show Notes: https://tinyurl.com/yxj7bs7x
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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